7 Easy Ground Lamb and Rice Recipes

Tired of the same old dinner routine? Looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly versatile, and often surprisingly quick to make? You’ve found it. Welcome to your ultimate guide to ground lamb and rice recipes. Ground lamb is a game-changer in the kitchen, offering a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with a fluffy bed of rice. Forget spending hours searching for different ideas—we’ve brought them all to you in one place, creating the ultimate resource for delicious ground lamb and rice recipes.

Here, you’ll discover seven distinct dishes, taking you on a culinary journey from a 20-minute one-pot wonder perfect for hectic weeknights to epic feasts that will dazzle your dinner guests. Whether you’re craving Greek, Mediterranean, or something with a spicy kick, you’ll find the perfect lamb rice recipe to match your mood and schedule. Let’s get cooking!

Why You Should Be Cooking With Ground Lamb

If ground lamb isn’t a staple in your kitchen yet, it’s about time it was. This humble ingredient is a true powerhouse, and here’s why it’s the perfect protein for creating memorable ground lamb and rice recipes.

• Incredible Flavor: Ground lamb has a distinct, slightly earthy, and robust flavor that stands up to bold spices and herbs. It’s richer than chicken and offers a delicious alternative to ground beef.
• Speed and Convenience: Like other ground meats, lamb cooks up in minutes, making it ideal for quick and easy meals. It’s the perfect foundation for a fast skillet dinner or hearty bowl.
• Surprising Affordability: Often seen as a luxury, ground lamb can be quite budget-friendly, offering an accessible way to enjoy the delicious taste of lamb without splurging on more expensive cuts.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lamb and Rice Every Time

Mastering a few key techniques is essential for elevating your cooking. These professional tips will help you perfect all kinds of ground lamb and rice recipes, ensuring delicious results every single time.

• Tip 1: Choosing the Right Ground Lamb (Fat %) Look for ground lamb with a fat percentage between 15-20% (often labeled as 85/15 or 80/20). This ratio provides the perfect balance—enough fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful, but not so much that the final dish is greasy.
• Tip 2: The Best Rice for Each Dish The type of rice you choose can make or break your lamb and rice recipe. Here’s a quick guide:
  • Basmati: Long, slender grains with a nutty aroma. Perfect for Pulao or as a simple side.
  • Jasmine: Slightly stickier and more aromatic than basmati. Excellent for Mediterranean bowls and fried rice.
  • Arborio: A short-grain rice with a high starch content. It’s the go-to for creamy, risotto-style dishes.
• Tip 3: Don’t Crowd the Pan: How to Get a Perfect Sear For that delicious, crispy, browned texture, the secret is a hot pan and enough space. If you overcrowd the pan, the meat will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if necessary—it’s a small step that makes a huge difference in flavor and texture for any lamb and rice dish.

Our Top 7 Ground Lamb and Rice Recipes: Find Your Match

Ready to find your new favorite meal? This collection of ground lamb recipe ideas has something for every palate and occasion.

Recipe 1: The 20-Minute Weeknight Wonder (One-Pot)

About This Recipe: This is one of our most popular ground lamb and rice recipes for a reason. Everything comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. It’s the definition of a simple, satisfying meal.

Prep time	Cook time	Servings
5 mins	20 mins	4

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (like Basmati)
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and spices, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice to toast it slightly. Pour in the broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe 2: Zesty Greek Lamb and Lemon Rice

About This Recipe: Craving the fresh, bright flavors of the Aegean? This recipe directly targets that “Greek” intent, combining savory lamb with tangy lemon and fresh dill for a transportive lamb rice recipe you’ll make again and again.

Prep time	Cook time	Servings
10 mins	25 mins	4

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup Jasmine rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb over medium-high heat. Drain fat and set lamb aside.
2. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the red onion until soft. Add garlic and oregano and cook for one minute.
3. Add the rice, broth, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 18 minutes.
4. Stir the cooked lamb, lemon zest, feta cheese, and fresh dill into the rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Recipe 3: Vibrant Mediterranean Lamb Bowls

About This Recipe: Inspired by wholesome bowls from popular foodie spots, this is one of those endlessly customizable ground lamb and rice recipes. It’s healthy, satisfying, and beautiful to look at.

Prep time	Cook time	Servings
15 mins	20 mins	4

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cups cooked Jasmine or Basmati rice
• For Serving: Chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, hummus, tzatziki, and pita bread.

Instructions:

1. Season the ground lamb with allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the lamb in a skillet over medium-high heat until well-browned and cooked through.
3. Assemble your bowls: Start with a base of warm rice, top with a generous portion of the seasoned lamb, and let everyone add their favorite toppings.

Recipe 4: Aromatic Lamb Pulao (A Simplified Take)

About This Recipe: This recipe captures the essence of a classic Lamb Pulao in an accessible format. It’s an aromatic one-pot meal where the rice is cooked with the meat, infusing every grain with flavor for a truly authentic lamb and rice recipe.

Prep time	Cook time	Servings
10 mins	30 mins	4-6

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Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground lamb
• 2 tbsp ghee or olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• Whole Spices: 1 cinnamon stick, 2-3 green cardamom pods, 2 cloves
• Ground Spices: 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1.5 cups Basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes
• 2.5 cups hot chicken broth or water
• Salt to taste
• Garnish: Fried onions, fresh mint

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add whole spices and let them sizzle. Add the sliced onion and fry until golden brown.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute. Add the ground lamb and cook until it changes color and is no longer pink.
3. Stir in the ground spices and salt.
4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring gently to coat.
5. Pour in the hot broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting. Cover tightly and cook for 15-20 minutes.
6. Let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Garnish and serve.

Recipe 5: Spicy Israeli-Inspired Crispy Lamb and Rice

About This Recipe: This dish delivers on texture and bold flavor. We combine an Israeli-inspired spice profile with the irresistible “crispy” rice technique for a truly memorable meal. If you’re looking for unique ground lamb recipe ideas, this is it.

Prep time	Cook time	Servings
10 mins	25 mins	4

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 tbsp olive oil + 2 tbsp for crisping rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 3 cups cooked Basmati rice (day-old rice works best)
• Salt and pepper
• For serving: Tahini sauce, chopped parsley, pomegranate seeds

Instructions:

1. Season the ground lamb with paprika, cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large, non-stick skillet, cook the lamb until browned and crispy. Remove from the pan.
3. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the cooked rice, pressing it down into an even layer. Cook without stirring for 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is golden and crispy.
4. Top the crispy rice with the cooked lamb, a drizzle of tahini sauce, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.

Recipe 6: Creamy Lamb and Rice Skillet (with Feta and Dill)

About This Recipe: This unique recipe offers a creamy, comforting variation that stands out from other ground lamb and rice recipes. The combination of tangy feta and fresh dill stirred into a creamy rice base is pure comfort in a skillet.

Prep time	Cook time	Servings
10 mins	30 mins	4

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth, warmed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown the lamb in a large skillet; drain the fat and set the lamb aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until soft. Add the Arborio rice and toast for one minute.
3. Add the warm broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until it’s mostly absorbed before adding the next cup (like a simplified risotto).
4. Once the rice is tender and creamy, stir in the heavy cream, cooked lamb, feta, and dill. Season to taste.

Recipe 7: “Clean-Out-The-Fridge” Lamb and Vegetable Fried Rice

About This Recipe: A practical, user-focused recipe designed to use up leftover rice and whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s a delicious and resourceful way to create an amazing meal and prevent food waste.

Prep time	Cook time	Servings
10 mins	15 mins	2-3

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground lamb
• 3 cups cold, cooked rice
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (diced carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Instructions:

1. Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the ground lamb and cook until crispy. Remove from wok.
2. Add sesame oil to the wok. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Push the vegetables to one side and pour the beaten egg into the other, scrambling it quickly.
4. Add the cold rice and the cooked lamb back to the wok. Break up the rice and stir-fry everything together.
5. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Proper storage keeps the delicious leftovers from your ground lamb and rice recipes fresh for later.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 60-second intervals until hot, or gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: You can freeze most of these dishes for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that creamy dishes or those with fresh toppings are best enjoyed fresh.

Your Ground Lamb and Rice Recipes FAQ

Q: Can I use ground beef or turkey instead? A: Absolutely! While the flavor profile will change, ground beef, turkey, or even chicken would work as a substitute in nearly all of these ground lamb and rice recipes. You may need to adjust seasonings accordingly.

Q: What can I serve with these dishes? A: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a perfect fresh counterpoint. Other great options include roasted vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus), warm pita bread for dipping, or a side of creamy tzatziki or hummus.

Q: Is ground lamb healthy? A: Ground lamb is a fantastic source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and Vitamin B12. Like all red meat, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Choosing leaner ground lamb and draining excess fat after browning are easy ways to make your dishes healthier.